So here's what i'm looking for--- a mid-sized (on the smaller end of mid-sized) dog that will be athletic enough to catch frisbees, etc.

I will be renting a room in a house that is relatively large; but I will not have a yard for the dog. Instead the dog will have a flapping door leaving my room and ability to wonder the basement. Is this suitable for a dog? Or is it cruel to have a dog without a yard? I will live right near a dog park and plan to exercise it daily.

Does anyone have any suggestions on particular breeds which are small enough to live without a yard, but athletic enough to catch frisbees, etc? The dogs I was looking into were boxers and huskies; I have no idea, whatsoever, though, whether they are good "frisbee catchers", or if they could live in a relatively enclosed space.

So here's what i'm looking for--- a mid-sized (on the smaller end of mid-sized) dog that will be athletic enough to catch frisbees, etc.

I will be renting a room in a house that is relatively large; but I will not have a yard for the dog. Instead the dog will have a flapping door leaving my room and ability to wonder the basement. Is this suitable for a dog? Or is it cruel to have a dog without a yard? I will live right near a dog park and plan to exercise it daily.

Does anyone have any suggestions on particular breeds which are small enough to live without a yard, but athletic enough to catch frisbees, etc? The dogs I was looking into were boxers and huskies; I have no idea, whatsoever, though, whether they are good "frisbee catchers", or if they could live in a relatively enclosed space.

Thank you all for your suggestions!

I've never seen a husky show any interest in a frisbee.
Hmm.... of all the boxers I've known I've only seen one who liked to retrieve. I wonder what the boxer people will say. I have no idea if they typically like to retrieve.

As for the yard , I could have my dogs without a yard -- they really only use it as a bathroom. I have to get them out to run/play for a couple hours a day. I personally wouldn't choose to own a dog without a yard though because taking the dog out to potty so many times a day would drive me nuts. Personally I'd get a really cool doglike breed of cat

I don't see a problem with having a dog without a yard as long as you have some where to take him to the bathroom. I'm not sure about breeds do you have a weight range you want the dog to be in? I'd go to the shelter and pick out a mutt that they say enjoys the game frisbee, but I know you want breeds so even if you do get a mix you know what breeds would be best mixed in for you. Sorry I don't know my breeds well enough to help.

I don't think a Husky or a Boxer are what you're looking for. For starters, neither fit your size specifications. Huskies aren't so much into retrieving either. Someone brought up a really good point about how the dog will go potty without a yard -- are you willing to take the dog out on-leash for a certain number of times a day? Other things to consider are the amount of daily exercise, training and grooming. Since you're renting, you should secure permission from the homeowner.

I think you should check your local shelter. If you want specifics with regards to the breed, maybe an adult Lab or Golden mix would be a good match. Try Petfinder.

The first thing that came to mind for me was the springer (or even cocker) spaniel, the last one we had would fetch sticks for hours, she absolutely loved it. Can you settle for a toy breed that catches tennis balls instead? A west highland terrier might be great, too, although on the small side. Happy hunting!

i would have to agree on the spaniel, a cocker would do better with no yard (springers ive found are too high energy for "apartment" living which this sounds like it could be considered as such), cockerspaneils LOVE to play fetch so ball and frisby are typically fvorite games, and there generally good indoor dogs.

We have a male english cocker x american cocker mix, hes very smart, is very quiet indoors, then let him out and he goes crazy, he'll play fetch with anything he can find for HOURS.

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I wonder if other dogs think Cresties are members of some weird religious cult?

I think a Shetland Sheepdog could fit the bill. We don't have a yard, but it works out great. You just have to take the time give them plenty of exercise via walks, park, play, etc. Shelties are very athletic. They love to play chase and are really good at frisbee, fetch, agility, etc. They're intelligent and easy to train. They like to spend time with people, even if it's just lounging around on the couch. They will follow you everywhere and don't like to be ignored. They bark A LOT (you can train them to bark less... but it's still a lot!). They also shed quite a bit too. So depending on your preferences a Sheltie could be a good match for you. But there are lots of breeds to consider.